PAnative, what part of PA are you going for Black bear in? I ask because the Black Bears in some parts of PA are getting bigger on average than they have been in the past. No it doesn't take a lot to KILL one, but it can take a pretty good bit to STOP one! And in heavy cover, you want to choose a good caliber with a good bit of "thump" to put one down efficiently not only for ease of finding your animal, but just in case that 250-450 pound critter decides to take you with them! So in essence, Flags suggestion was actually spot on! The Marlin 1895 in .450 Marlin is a fantastic cartridge as is the .45-70, Both have excellent STOPPING power and more often than not, they don't leave a ton of blood shot meat.